Racine, Wisconsin
Maria Hernandez, age 65, cleans the buildings at Amazon’s fulfillment center in Kenosha, Wisconsin. She’s employed through a subcontractor and lives with her adult son, who is employed by Amazon. When Maria had a medical emergency and collapsed at work, she learned her company doesn’t pay for leave. They also denied her use of vacation time because she was on leave. Her son could get only unpaid time, which the two couldn’t afford. Maria calls it “the most heartbreaking time of my life.” She went back to work even though she’s still not 100% well: “If I don’t work, I can’t pay rent, lights, gas nor eat the daily diet requirements. My medication is costly. I thank God for keeping me alive to pursue [the need for paid leave].”
